The Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), the umbrella body for advertising professionals in Nigeria, has announced the 19th edition of the Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF), with entries now open for participation from registered AAAN agencies.
The newly elected President of the association, Lanre Adisa, disclosed this at a media parley held in Lagos on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
The association also announced the onboarding of Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN) as participants in this year’s edition.
Speaking during the media parley, Adisa explained that the LAIF Awards remain a platform to showcase the best of creativity not only in Nigeria but also in the West African subregion. He emphasised the need for the industry to use the platform to celebrate ideas noting that the brands in the marketplace are products of ideas.
While commending the previous and present LAIF board members for raising the bar of creativity through the awards, he stressed that the inclusion of MIPAN in this year’s edition attests to the strength of collaboration.
He stated that the association is looking forward to a time when all the sectoral bodies in the industry would become part of LAIF Awards thereby making the marketing communications industry in Nigeria a force to be reckoned with.
Unveiling the theme for the 2024 LAIF Awards, “Staying A-LAIF”, Chairman, LAIF Management Board, Jay Chukwuemeka noted that it is exciting to note that this year’s edition builds on the idea of inclusion with a strong focus on adaptation, survival, and the celebration of the resilient spirit for which agencies and practitioners in the industry are noted for.
Chukwuemeka noted that despite the challenges confronting the industry and the nation as a whole, big agencies and smaller agencies have continued to stay alive and thrive.
“We are quite aware of new challenges facing the industry and businesses generally in 2024. But as the saying goes, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. For this reason, we are ready to look at the bright side of the situation. We are celebrating not only the big agencies but also the smaller agencies that have thrived despite the odds. We are honoring the resilience that keeps us pushing all through the entire stretch of the year 2024,” he said.
He disclosed that as part of efforts to stay relevant, the board will be introducing new categories of awards this year one of which includes the LAIF Academy, a category that provides accredited AAAN agencies to participate by voting for their works through the newly introduced Agency Choice award.
He also stated that this year’s edition will witness the presentation of plaques to agencies that win the coveted Grand Prix and Gold at the awards ceremony while agencies with silver and bronze winners will receive certificates.
This new development is in alignment with international best standards.
He disclosed that as an exciting addition to the LAIF Academy, the board will launch the LAIF Report, a platform that serves as agencies’ ranking on the medal table and a record of achievements for new agencies to aspire to.
Chukwuemeka revealed that the board is keeping the entry fees for the awards unchanged to allow for more participation from agencies both in Nigeria and other West African countries.
He further noted that the gesture is a clear demonstration of the board’s commitment to inclusivity and the desire to ensure all eligible agencies participate to grow LAIF together.
The LAIF Festival week is scheduled to hold between November 18, 2024, and November 24, 2024 with entry dates to be announced soon.
